Press

Texas State Railroad in the Media

Watch as Roseann Rogers with KPRC Houston's "What's The Buzz" takes you on a tour of the historic Texas State Railroad.

You can download the video, or watch it on YouTube.

Film Production at the Texas State Railroad

Since 1977 the Texas State Railroad has appeared in several movies, television series, commercials and music videos.

*Dates listed are release dates.

Movies

2007, The Great Debaters (Denzel Washington)
2001, American Outlaws (Timothy Dalton, Kathy Bates, Colin Farrell)
2000, O Brother, Where Art Thou? (George Clooney, John Goodman)
1997, Rough Riders (Tom Berenger, Sam Elliott)
1996, Lily Dale (Jean Stapleton)
1995, Streets of Laredo (James Garner)
1995, A Woman of Independent Means (Sally Field)
1994, The Gambler V: Playing for Keeps (Kenny Rogers)
1992, Where the Red Fern Grows: Part II
1989, The Fulfillment of Mary Gray (Cheryl Ladd)
1988, After the Rain
1986, Dallas: The Early Years
1986, Uphill All the Way (Roy Clark, Mel Tillis, Burl Ives)
1981, The Long Summer of George Adams (James Garner, Joan Hackett)
1980, Soggy Bottom, USA
1980, The Long Riders (Dennis Quaid, Stacy Keach, David Carradine)

Television Series and Special Productions

2003, The Blues, PBS Series
2001, American Airlines, Training Film
2000, Robbie Knievel Head-On Train Jump, Live broadcast FOX Network
2000, 5th & Vine, TV Pilot
1993, Walker, Texas Ranger (Chuck Norris)
1989, Ramada Inn, Training Film
1978, "Visions" Charlie Smith and the Fritter Tree

Documentaries

1999, Crucible of Empire: The Spanish American War
1998, The Oil Boom of Northern Louisiana
1998, On the Wings of Ezekiel

Commercials

1994, Levi Strauss - Winner of the 1994 Grand Cleo Award (selected the Best Worldwide Commercial)
Click here to watch commercial on YouTube
1985, General Coffee Company
1982, Chattanooga Chewing Tobacco

Music Videos

1999, O Brother, Where Are Thou? "I Am A Man of Constant Sorrows"
1997, Hoochie Coochie Man - German music video
1987, Mack Abernathy

News Releases

Texas State Railroad's 2nd Annual RailFest to be
held on Labor Day Weekend!

The Texas State Railroad is holding its’ 2nd Annual RailFest on Labor Day Weekend at the Palestine Depot. The festival will take place on Saturday, September 4th and a special RailFest train ride will take place on Sunday, September 5th.

RailFest is a train festival with many activities for all ages on Saturday from 9:00am to 3:30pm including a forty-minute train ride with Steam Engine 300, opportunity to meet Miss Texas 2010, live musical entertainment, motor car rides, model railroads, live steamers, petting zoo, miniature train ride, bounce houses, shop tour, chance to view T&P Steam Engines 201 & 610, and more. An opening ceremony will be held at 9:00am to honor the Maintenance of Way crew. Wristbands to enter the festival are $25 for adults and $15 for children (ages 3-11). Infants 2 and under are free. The Texas State Railroad is honoring local peace officers and firefighters with a free entry to the event on Saturday.

“We are very excited about our 2nd Annual RailFest,” said Lori Pennington, Marketing Manager. “We had a lot of fun last year and we are looking forward to a great event this year! RailFest is the perfect chance to experience a full day of train activities and family fun.”

On Sunday, there is a special RailFest Maydelle Turntable Special Steam Excursion with Engine 300 from the Palestine Depot to the 1890’s Maydelle Turntable. The train ride will depart at 9:00am and return at 11:45am for a BBQ lunch and live musical entertainment. Tickets for the Sunday train ride start at $40.50 for adults and $23 for children (ages 3-11). There is a special discount offered when both dates are booked together prior to September 3rd by phone reservation only. Advanced reservations are recommended. Visit www.TexasStateRR.com or call 1-888-987-2461.

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Click here to learn more about RailFest

Texas State Railroad Wins Two Awards for TV Commercial!

The Texas State Railroad won two 1st place awards in the Texas Association & Convention Visitors Bureaus (TACVB) Idea Fair at the organization’s annual conference in Lubbock last week. The Texas State Railroad won 1st place in the DVD Category and also 1st Place in the Judges Choice Award for Best DVD.

“We are very excited to win these two 1st place awards,” said Lori Pennington, Marketing Manager. “It was a great honor to have tourism professionals from across the state of Texas vote on our TV Commercial. We really enjoyed creating the commercial and we were so happy to be able to enter it in the Idea Fair.”

The TACVB Annual Conference allows members throughout the state to come together for the purpose of education, networking, promotional idea inspiration and other important travel and convention related topics. Each year, members are invited to take part in the “Idea Fair” to display the different campaigns and programs that were initiated during that year. Members and Judges vote on a winning entry for each of the eight categories.

The Texas State Railroad TV Commercial was produced by H3 Media: Platinum Advertising Agency out of Tyler, Texas. “We really enjoyed working with the H3 Team. They helped us develop a beautiful and artistic TV Commercial that we can use for years to come,” said Pennington.

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Click here to view the TV Commercial on YouTube

Cool off This Summer at the New
Texas State Railroad Spray Ground!

The Texas State Railroad Campground at the Rusk Depot has a new spray ground open to the public. The custom-made steam engine spray ground was installed recently near the dining hall.

“We wanted to add a special water feature to our RV Park and Campground for kids and families to enjoy while camping at the railroad,” said General Manager, Chapman Boaz. “Since we offer daily passes for fisherman and park visitors, we also decided that we wanted to open the spray ground for locals to enjoy.”

Day passes are available at the reservation office, next to the tennis courts. Passes are $5 per car. A yearly pass for frequent visitors is also available for $27.00 a car. The Campground is open to pass holders from dawn until dusk. Spray ground is open from 11:00am to 6:00pm daily.

Pass holders can utilize the charcoal grills, fishing lake, spray ground, picnic areas, restrooms, nature trails, and tennis courts. The Red Caboose concession stand is also open on most weekends serving snow cones, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, drinks and more.

The pavilion by the lake and the dining hall are also available for private reservation; call for pricing. For more information regarding the new spray ground or passes, call the Texas State Railroad reservation office at 903-683-2561.

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Wear Your Boots and Grab Your Cowboy Hat for
Texas State Railroad's Wild West Dinner Train!

The Texas State Railroad is holding a Wild West Dinner Train on Saturday, August 7. Wear your boots and grab your cowboy hat for a root’n toot’n good time on an evening train excursion complete with a three-course meal, candlelight setting, and entertainment.

Dinner entrée options include Marinated Cider Ribeye Steak or Southwest Avocado Chicken Breast paired with complimentary side dishes. Dessert options are Bessie’s Buttermilk Chess Pie or Gold Miner’s Mud Pie to be served with coffee on the return trip from the Mewshaw Siding. Guests may bring one bottle of wine to enjoy with the meal. “Our dinner trains are a lot of fun,” said Lori Pennington, Marketing Manager. “At our Wild West dinner train, people really like to get dressed up in western-wear.”

Champagne Reception and Wild West entertainment begins at 5:30pm at the Palestine Depot and the dinner train will depart at 6:30pm. Tickets are $89.00 per person for ages 21 and over.

Seating is limited and advance reservations by August 5th are required. For reservations, call 1-888-987-2461 or visit www.TexasStateRR.com for more information.

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Freedom BBQ Dinner Train Scheduled for
July 3rd at the Texas State Railroad

The Texas State Railroad is gearing up to celebrate Independence Day with a Freedom BBQ Dinner Train departing from the Rusk Depot on Saturday, July 3, 2010.

A cheese & cracker reception will begin at 6:00pm and the dinner train will depart at 7pm. On board the one-hour & 45-minute train ride, families will enjoy a catered buffet-style BBQ dinner and peach cobbler for dessert, along with live entertainment. “We’re very excited to have our first-ever family oriented dinner train,” said Lori Pennington, Marketing Manager for the railroad, “We are going to have two special guests riding the train, Uncle Sam and Betsy Ross. It should be a lot of fun!”

After the train returns to the Rusk Depot, families will deboard the train for a fireworks show over the lake and enjoy watermelon.

Tickets are $25 for children (ages 3 and over) and $50 for adults. All seating is climate controlled at tables for four. Guests 21 and over may bring beer, wine or champagne to enjoy with the meal. For reservations visit www.TexasStateRR.com or call 1-888-987-2461.

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I Think I Can! I Think I Can! The Texas State Railroad is hosting
The Little Engine That Could™ Rail Tour

The Little Engine That Could™ is coming to the Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot on July 17 & 24, 2010. Families will enjoy a thirty-minute train ride, meet characters from the book, listen to live musical entertainment, and enjoy fun children’s games. New this year, kids can bring their bathing suits and enjoy fun splash & play water activities. Parents, grandparents, & children will experience a full day of fun family activities.

The Little Engine That Could™ is recognized for promoting the power of positive thought, motivating us to be all we can be and gives us the courage to try. She sends us a strong, time-honored message: “I think I can! I think I can!

At the event, a life-size replica locomotive patterned after the original illustrations for the classic children’s book by Watty Piper will chug along the tracks where you will hear her whistle blow, brass bell ringing, and steam hissing, all the while repeating her courageous refrain.

Dates & times for train tickets: July 17 & 24, 2010 - 11:00 am & 1:00pm

During a special “Be a Kid Again” Promotion, all tickets are $19 per person (ages 2 and over) in coach & open air seating and $21 per person in climate controlled seating. For reservations visit www.TexasStateRR.com or call 1-888-987-2461.

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The Little Engine That Could™ is a children’s book written by Watty Piper in 1930. This book has been dubbed a children’s classic since it was first published. The Little Engine That Could™ is wholly owned and published by Penguin Young Readers Group, a member of Penguin Group USA, Inc. and is represented for licensing by Universal Studio Consumer Products Group.

Click here to learn more about The Little Engine That Could Rail Tour.

Hi-Yo Silver, Away! The Lone Ranger Rides
Again at the Texas State Railroad

America’s most beloved western hero brings law and order to Texas at the Texas State Railroad this June. This special event pays tribute to the Lone Ranger and brings the Old West to life. During the train ride, the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto will save the train from outlaws who intend to rob the baggage car that is carrying a shipment of gold!

Train rides depart from the Texas State Railroad Rusk Depot at 11:00am and 2:00pm on June 12 & 19, 2010. Upon arrival to the Maydelle Depot, the exciting show will take place and then passengers will deboard the train for 1.5 hours to enjoy many family-oriented western activities & food. There will be live musical entertainment, shooting galleries, hay ride, bounce houses, gem dig, calf roping, petting zoo, and kid’s western-wear or Lone Ranger costume contest. Train riders will also get to meet the Lone Ranger, Tonto, Silver & Scout. On the train ride back to the Rusk Depot, the Lone Ranger will ride the train and pass out a special gift to the kids and explain to them that life is precious.

Tickets are $19 for children (ages 2-11) and $34 for adults in coach & open air seating. Climate controlled tickets are $23 for children and $38 for adults. For reservations visit www.TexasStateRR.com or call 1-888-987-2461.

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About The Lone Ranger®
With one jaunty call, “Hi-Yo, Silver!,” The Lone Ranger sparked a cultural phenomenon that would establish him as America’s favorite hero of the Wild West. Mounted atop a white stallion, he became a steadfast symbol for truth and justice, capturing the hearts and imaginations of generations of fans. For more than seven decades, The Lone Ranger has been the star of more than 3,000 radio shows, 220 classic TV episodes, three feature films, and hundreds of comic books. 2008 marked the 75th anniversary of The Lone Ranger.

Memorial Day Celebration Event
13th Annual Event Honoring the Armed Forces to be
held at the Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot

The 13th Annual Memorial Day Celebration Event will be held at the Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot on Memorial Day Weekend to honor the Armed Forces. The event begins on Friday, May 28th with an opportunity for the public to view a historic version of a WWII military armament train as it arrives at the Palestine Depot for the weekend event; the event ends on May 31st with a special Memorial Day Train Ride.

A full-day of activities is scheduled on Saturday and Sunday. There will be many living history exhibits from 1776 to present, UH-1E Huey helicopter rides, Memorial Day Ceremony and 21 Gun Salute (Sunday at 12pm) and new this year: extreme scale tank models from the collection of Dave “The Tank Man” Schultz; military equipment and vehicle rides; and special roundtrip re-enactment train rides (10:00am & 2:30pm) from the Palestine Depot to the Jarvis Wye to emerge passengers in history as they view in a WWII battle at the “Rinehausen” German village that has been created.

The special WWII Military armament train that was created for the Memorial Day Celebration consists of Texas State Railroad’s period equipment including “General Patton’s” private car, a restored WWII vintage car, created by staff member Robert Gore, and military vehicles and artillery from the collection of Tom Townsend, a local military vehicle collector from Rusk.

To complete the special celebration weekend, there is a special Memorial Day Maydelle Turntable Special Train Excursion departing from the Palestine Depot on Monday, May 31st at 11:00am to 1:45pm.

The re-enactment train rides at 10:00am and 2:30pm on Saturday and Sunday are $15 per person (ages 3 & over). Active Military with identification ride free. Tickets for the Maydelle Turntable Special Train Excursion on Memorial Day are $36.50 for Adults (12 & over) and $19.00 for Children (3 - 11) in coach and open-air seating. Additional charges for climate-controlled seating. Active Military and Veterans with identification ride free. A $5 parking fee will be collected at the entrance all weekend. Advanced reservations are recommended. For reservations call 1-888-987-2461 or visit www.TexasStateRR.com.

TSRR Participating In National Train Day

Saturday, May 8th

The Texas State Railroad is participating in National Train Day this year on Saturday, May 8th. National Train Day was created by Amtrak two years ago to raise awareness of the vital role rail plays in our nation's transportation system.

To join in on the celebration, TSRR has additional activities & giveaways planned during the regularly scheduled Pineywoods Steam Excursion with Engine 300. There will be a cab ride giveaway, 15% Gift Shop discount for all riders, live musical entertainment during lunch layover, giveaways throughout the day (t-shirts, hats, bandanas, mugs, & railroad memorabilia), & free red, white & blue popsicles for everyone.

For more information about National Train Day, visit www.nationaltrainday.com.

Romantic Valentine's Dinner Trains Scheduled at the

Texas State Railroad

Palestine, TX - The Texas State Railroad is holding two Valentine's Dinner Trains on February 13th and 14th. "Our Love is On The Line" Dinner Train is a romantic evening train excursion complete with a three-course meal, candlelight setting, and live musical entertainment.

Dinner entree options include USDA Choice Prime Rib or Shredded Parmesan Chicken Breast paired with complimentary side dishes and an option of Layered Chocolate Cake or Cheesecake with Strawberries to be served with coffee on the return trip from the Mewshaw Siding. Guests may bring one bottle of wine to enjoy with the meal.

Champagne reception and live musical entertainment will begin at 6:30pm at the Palestine Depot and the dinner train will depart at 7:30pm. Tickets are $100.00 per person for couples 21 and over.

Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required. Last date to book tickets is Thursday, February 11 at 5:00pm. For reservations, call 1-888-987-2461.

Snoopy to Visit the Texas State Railroad for

Peanuts™ - The Valentine Express

Snoopy will be visiting the Texas State Railroad on February 6, 13 & 14 for Peanuts™ - The Valentine Express.

During the train ride guests will listen to a live reading of the book, "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown" and meet Snoopy as he walks through the train. During the lunch layover at the Rusk Depot activities include valentine card making, live musical entertainment, pictures with Snoopy, and a showing of, "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown" in the depot theatre. Refreshments will be served on the return trip to Palestine.

The Valentine Express departs from the Palestine Depot at 11:00am and returns at 3:30pm. Tickets for Coach Seating are $36.50 for Adults and $19.00 for Children (ages 2-11). Climate Controlled seating is $39.50 for Adults and $21.00 for Children (ages 2-11). Local residents of Anderson, Angelina, Cherokee, Freestone, Henderson, Houston, Leon, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Rusk, & Smith Counties.

Advanced reservations are recommended. For reservations call 1-888-987-2461 or visit www.TexasStateRR.com for more information.

Visit the Special Events Page or Photo Gallery.

$10 Local Appreciation Tickets

During the months of January & February we are offering a discounted local appreciation fare to ride on regular train excursions to residents who live in our surrounding counties. Tickets are $10 per person in coach seating with upgrades available for climate controlled seating. Included Counties: Anderson, Angelina, Cherokee, Freestone, Henderson, Houston, Leon, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Rusk & Smith

Dates:

January 16, 17, 23, 30 - Departing the Rusk Depot

February 6, 13, 14, 20, 27 Departing the Palestine Depot

*Special ticket price valid on Peanuts™ - The Valentine Express (February 6, 13 & 14) but is not valid for the Valentine’s Dinner Train.

Tickets at this special rate can only be purchased by calling the reservation office at (903) 683-2561 or 1-888-987-2461. Tickets will also be sold at the window on the date of each ride based on availability. ID with proof of address will be required. Box lunches are available to purchase at the time of reservation.

Downloadable Flyer

Season Passes Now Available! Buy yours today!

Texas State Railroad Seasons Passes are now available! Visit the Texas State Railroad as much as you want at a great discount!

A Season pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase on advanced reservations on any steam or diesel regular train excursion in coach, open air, or climate controlled seating (based on availability). The cost of a season pass is a regular priced excursion (including all special events except for Day Out With Thomas™) plus $25 for ages 3 & over. The season pass is valid on the following excursions: Pineywoods Excursion, Maydelle Turntable Special, Jarvis Wye Special, Sunday Family BBQ Excursion, Dogwood Excursions, Fall Fest Excursions, and National Holiday Excursions.

Season pass holders also will receive the following benefits:

15% Discount on: TSRR Dinner Trains & Photo Excursions
10% Discount on: Retail Purchases in the TSRR Gift Shops on purchases of $25 or more.
10% Discount on: Camping at TSRR RV Park & Campgrounds
50% Discount on: Our sister railroads - Great Smoky Mountains Railroad & Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Standard Class. Not valid on special events and based on availability.

Purchase your season pass today when you book your reservation online or by calling our reservation office at 1-888-987-2461.

Press Kit

To recieve a press kit or hi-resolution photos please contact Lori Penninton, Marketing Manger.

E-mail or Direct: 903-683-3087

Story Ideas

The Texas State Railroad has many interesting stories! Here are a couple of story ideas to get you started:

The great history of the Texas State Railroad
Family oriented destination with many special events for children of all ages
TSRR is known as the "Official Railroad of Texas"
Current restoration projects: TSRR is currently restoring Steam Engines that were built in the early 1900's and also passenger cars that were built in the 1920's.
The Maintenance of Way Crew that maintains the track and bridges along our 25 miles of track between both depots.
The cities of Palestine & Rusk.
The Texas State Railroad is operated by American Heritage Railways, a premier tourist railroad company that owns and operates the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.